The Gold Discovery Site is a historic location in California where gold was first discovered in 1848. This event sparked the famous California Gold Rush, attracting thousands of prospectors and settlers seeking fortune. The site is located near the town of Coloma, where James W. Marshall found gold while working at a sawmill. Today, the Gold Discovery Site is part of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Visitors can explore the area, learn about the gold mining process, and see artifacts from the era. The site serves as a reminder of the impact of gold discovery on American history and westward expansion.